Break the Chains of Slavery

Magda* is 8 years old and is from Masagua, Escuintla. Her parents never had the chance to go to school because they had to work as children to help support their families. There used to be 15 people in Magda’s family however due to different circumstances 5 of her siblings passed away and 2 have started their own families so now she just lives with her parents and 5 siblings.

The family lived on a plantation called El Socorro in Masagua for 30 years. Five years ago they decided to move to their current home. Upon moving there they realized that to earn money they needed to collect recyclables from the municipal dump of Escuintla.

There Magda, her parents and her sisters picked out recyclable material from the garbage since they were only able to earn enough to put food on the table if all of them were working. The girls were never able to go to school because they had to work. Magda worked from 9 to 5 every day and earned Q40 a day which she gave to her mother. Magda and her sisters collected cans and sold them in the dump.

ITEMP found out about the case and Magda and her sisters were entered into the program so that they could quit working in the dump and get the education that they need so that when they grow up they can have a job with a decent wage. They were also given economical support, clothes, shoes, psychological care and medical exams. The mother was given the opportunity to take jewelry-making and literacy classes. Magda and her sisters want to continue in school and help their parents get out of poverty. Magda´s mom is very thankful for the help that ITEMP has provided her family with. 

*Name has been changed to protect the child's identity